Multilingual Media in America: Top Diaspora News Sources by Language
The United States hosts a vibrant ecosystem of multilingual media, empowering diaspora communities to stay informed in their native languages. Spanish-language giants like La Opinión (Los Angeles) and El Diario (New York) dominate Latino news, while Radio Bilingüe’s national network delivers daily public affairs programming.
Chinese-speaking audiences rely on World Journal and digital platforms like NDTV Desi, whereas Russian immigrants turn to Novoe Russkoe Slovo (archived) and Kstati for current events. Korean diaspora media includes The Korea Times, and Arabic speakers access Al-Arabiya English or Arab American News.
Public media also plays a pivotal role: NPR’s Radio Ambulante (Spanish) and PBS’s multilingual SAP tracks ensure accessibility, while Native stations like KYUK broadcast in Yup’ik for Alaska’s Indigenous communities. However, challenges like disinformation persist, especially in languages with limited moderation (e.g., Haitian Creole, Tagalog).
Despite this, these outlets bridge cultural gaps, offering hyper-local reporting, emergency alerts (e.g., TPT NOW in Hmong/Somali), and voter guides in languages from Bengali to Vietnamese 712. For immigrants, these sources are lifelines—preserving heritage while fostering civic engagement in an increasingly diverse America.
List of Diaspora News Sources in the USA Organized by Language
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Spanish (Español)
Spanish is the most widely spoken diaspora language in the U.S., with over 42 million speakers. It is prevalent in states like California, Texas, and Florida, reflecting strong Latin American and Caribbean immigrant communities. Prominent Spanish-language newspapers and online news sources include La Opinión (Los Angeles), El Diario (New York), and Univision Noticias Spanish online platforms, serving as vital information hubs for the Hispanic community.
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Chinese (Mandarin - 普通话 / Cantonese - 廣東話)
Mandarin and Cantonese are dominant among Chinese diaspora communities, particularly in cities like San Francisco and New York. They maintain cultural ties through Chinatowns and heritage schools. Key Chinese-language news outlets include World Journal (全球華文網), Sing Tao Daily, and The China Press (僑報) for diaspora updates.
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Tagalog (Filipino)
Tagalog, the basis of the Filipino language, is spoken by over 1.7 million Filipino-Americans. Major communities exist in California, Hawaii, and New Jersey. Filipino diaspora news is covered by Philippine News Today, Balitang America (ABS-CBN), and FilAm MegaScene, providing news, cultural stories, and community updates.
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Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Vietnamese is widely spoken in cities like Houston, San Jose, and Orange County. The diaspora grew after the Vietnam War, with strong cultural and religious institutions. Notable Vietnamese-language newspapers include Paracel and Người Việt, alongside online sources like VietNamNet and Saigon News, serving the Vietnamese-American community.
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Arabic (العربية)
Arabic is spoken by diverse Middle Eastern and North African communities, including Lebanese, Egyptian, and Yemeni Americans. Key hubs include Dearborn, Michigan, and Brooklyn, New York. Popular Arabic-language media outlets include Al-Arab Newspaper (Chicago), Arab American News, and local online news portals like YALLA News catering to Arabic-speaking Americans.
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Korean (한국어)
Korean is prominent in Los Angeles (Koreatown), New York, and Atlanta. The diaspora maintains strong ties to South Korea through media, churches, and businesses. Leading Korean-language newspapers and online sources include The Korea Times (미주 한국일보), JoongAng Daily, KBS World, and The Korea Herald, as well as community-specific online portals like Korea Daily.
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Russian (Русский)
Russian is spoken by immigrants from former Soviet states, especially in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It thrives in cultural centers and Russian-language media. Key outlets include Russkaya Reklama (Russian Advertising), Novoye Russkoye Slovo, and RT America (Russian media) along with online news platforms like Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Voice of America Russian service.
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French (Français)
French persists in Louisiana (Cajun French) and among Haitian, African, and Canadian immigrants. It remains a key heritage language in certain regions. Media outlets include France-Amérique, Le Petit Journal (NY) and local online sources like Louisiana Cajun French News.
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Hindi (हिन्दी)
Hindi is spoken by Indian-Americans, particularly in New Jersey, California, and Texas. Bollywood and Hindu temples help sustain the language. Indian-American newspapers such as NRI Today (एनआरआई टुडे) and Hi India (हाई इंडिया) along with online news portals like NDTV and IBNLive serve the community.
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Portuguese (Português)
Portuguese is spoken by Brazilian and Portuguese immigrants, with large communities in Massachusetts, Florida, and New Jersey. Brazilian Portuguese dominates due to recent migration. Popular outlets include Jornal do Brasil, Brazilian Times, and online platforms like Globo’s U.S. editions, serving the diaspora.
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Urdu (اردو)
Urdu is prevalent among Pakistani and some Indian Muslims, especially in New York and Texas. It shares linguistic ties with Hindi but uses a Perso-Arabic script. Major Urdu news sources include Sada-e-Pakistan, The Urdu Times, and Dunya News USA and online portals like Express Urdu and BBC Urdu.
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Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ / پنجابی)
Punjabi is spoken by Sikh and Hindu communities from India and Pakistan. California’s Central Valley and New York have significant Punjabi-speaking populations. Key media include Punjabi Tribune USA, Des Pardes, Desi Talk Punjab, and online outlets like Punjab Kesari.
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Gujarati (ગુજરાતી)
Gujarati is common among Indian-Americans, particularly in New Jersey and Illinois. The diaspora maintains ties through business networks and cultural events. Popular Gujarati-language news sources include Gujarati Samachar, Sandesh, and online portals like Gujarat Samachar.
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Bengali (বাংলা)
Bengali is spoken by Bangladeshi and West Bengali immigrants, with large communities in New York and Michigan. Cultural festivals and literature keep the language vibrant. Notable media include Bangla Patrika, Probashir Diganta, The Weekly Thikana, and community online sources like Bangla Mirror USA.
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Italiano
Italian was historically dominant in cities like New York and Boston. While declining among younger generations, older communities still use regional dialects. Key sources include America Oggi, Fra Noi (Chicago), L’Italo-Americano and Italia.it’s diaspora section, along with community websites.
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Polski
Polish is spoken in Chicago, New York, and Michigan. The diaspora maintains language schools and Polish Catholic parishes. Popular Polish-language media include Dziennik Związkowy, Nowy Dziennik, Super Express USA, with online portals like Polonia.info.
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Ukrainian (Українська)
Ukrainian has grown due to recent migration waves, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. Cultural centers and churches support language retention. Notable Ukrainian news sources include Ukrainian Weekly and Ukrainian News online.
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Amharic (አማርኛ)
Amharic is the primary language of Ethiopian immigrants, concentrated in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. It is preserved through Orthodox Christian churches. Key online sources are Addis Standard and community-specific Ethiopian news portals.
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Somali (Af Soomaali)
Somali is widely spoken in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington. The diaspora sustains the language through mosques and community media. Notable Somali news sources include Somali Dispatch and Hiiraan Online, serving the community online.
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Persian/Farsi (فارسی)
Farsi is spoken by Iranian, Afghan, and Tajik communities, especially in Los Angeles ("Tehrangeles") and Washington D.C. Poetry and music keep the language alive through outlets like Radio Farda, Iran International, and Kurdistan 24.
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Greek (Ελληνικά)
Farsi is spoken by Iranian, Afghan, and Tajik communities, especially in Los Angeles ("Tehrangeles") and Washington D.C. Poetry and music keep the language alive through outlets like Radio Farda, Iran International, and Kurdistan 24.
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Hebrew (עברית)
Hebrew is used by Jewish communities, particularly in New York and Los Angeles. It is maintained through religious study and Israeli cultural ties. Prominent sources include Yedioth Ahronoth USA, The Forward (Yiddish/Hebrew), and Israel Hayom and online Jewish community news sites like The Jewish Press.
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Yiddish (ייִדיש)
Yiddish is spoken by Hasidic Jewish communities in New York (Brooklyn) and New Jersey. It thrives in religious schools and Yiddish theater. Key online sources include Yiddish Forward and Der Yid.
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Hmong (Hmoob)
Hmong is prominent in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California. Refugees from Laos have preserved their language through oral traditions and festivals. Community news is shared via Hmong Times and online platforms like Hmong Today.
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Khmer (ភាសាខ្មែរ)
Khmer is spoken by Cambodian immigrants, especially in Massachusetts and California. Temples and cultural associations support language retention. Notable sources include Khmer Times and local Cambodian community online portals.
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Telugu (తెలుగు)
Telugu is growing among Indian-Americans, particularly in Texas and California. IT professionals and cultural organizations promote its use. Sources include TeluguOne, Sakshi, and online Telugu news portals like Andhra Jyothi.
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Tamil (தமிழ்)
Tamil is spoken by Sri Lankan and South Indian immigrants in New York and New Jersey. Temples and film industries help sustain the language. Popular Tamil media include Dinamalar, Tamil Guardian, and online portals like TamilOnline.
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Nepali (नेपाली)
Nepali is rising due to immigration from Nepal, especially in Texas and New York. Community events and Hindu temples preserve linguistic ties. Key sources include Nepal Times, The Himalayan Times, and community online platforms. .
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Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)
Haitian Creole is common in Florida, New York, and Boston. The Haitian diaspora preserves its language through music, religion, and community organizations. Notable sources include Haiti Observateur, The Haitian Times, Loop Haiti, and local online news platforms like Haiti Standard for community updates.
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Armenian (Հայերեն)
Armenian is strong in Glendale, California, and Boston. The diaspora maintains the language through schools, churches, and political activism. Notable online sources include Armenian Weekly, Asbarez, and community news portals.